Edition / Uitgawe 13

25 October 2013

Electricity stays on 2 Het jy geweet? 3 Spanking survey 15 Laerskool Sabie: 100 jaar Bylae

October is breast cancer

awareness month

GPS News

Mpumalanga government meets Eskom to resolve Thaba Chweu electricity crisis, promising no cut-off
will be no electricity cut-off and that the municipality will pay its current account of R11,8 million to Eskom. Thereafter the municipality will continue to service its current account. The meeting further agreed that the municipality and Eskom will work together to develop a repayment plan for the outstanding debt of R163 million. The repayment plan will be for a period of 12 months. Eskom will conduct a cable audit to be able to determine all illegal electricity connections and will also assist the municipality to ensure that its billing system is accurate. The MEC said that the administrative team the provincial government dispatched to the municipality is yielding positive results. It has been able to put systems in place that have enabled the municipality to increase the electricity payment rate. Skhosana said he would like to assure residents that Eskom will not cut off the municipalitys electricity. Our meeting with Eskom yielded positive results. I would like to appeal to all residents and businesses to play their part by paying their electricity accounts.

Social Calendar Sosiale Kalender

Let us know about any events for placement in the Social Calendar. It is free! Every Friday at 20:00 @ Canimambo drumming circle and drinks special.

he Mpumalanga government on Monday 21 October, just before GPS News was going to print, sent out a media release to say that the MEC for Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Simon Skhosana, has led a government delegation to meet Eskom to resolve the debt problem that nearly led to an electricity cut-off in Thaba Chweu Local Municipality. The delegation included Thaba Chweu Executive Mayor Cllr. Michael Ncongwane and officials from both the provincial government and the municipality. The meeting agreed that there

24-27 October

Sabie Primarys centenary celebration. Van toeka tot nou. www.laerskoolsabie.co.za.

26 October 26 October

Greenkeepers Revenge at Pilgrims Rest Golf Club. Sabie Shenanigan. Contact: Brettc@lantic.net.

From the editor

There is a very, very dangerous word opinion. This word can hurt others without you realising it. Always voicing your opinion about other people or situations without having walked in their shoes is wrong. Opinion and criticism are born from the same family; they usually go hand in hand. I have learned over the years that what you speak, you will be. As a matter of fact, it says so in the Bible in Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. Being involved with the newspaper, I interact with a lot of different people from all sectors of life. People talk without thinking of the consequences of the words that they speak. It is like a two-edged sword it cuts deep and you will be totally oblivious to the fact that you have hurt someones feelings because you dont know the whole story. Let us count our words; let they be kind and uplifting. Before you make a remark about someones weight or position in life, or discuss the mistakes they made, think of what you will feel like if people say things like that about you. Our nation has become critical, speaking death over our municipality, situations and country. We always tend to be negative and speak

GPS News 22 Main Road, Sabie Tel: 01 3 764 31 27 Fax: 086 57 43454 Editorial/Advertising: Valerie Kemp, tel: 083 565 9458 E-mail: editor@gpsnews.co.za Reporters: Christine Roussouw (Sabie, Pilgrims): 079 233 4801 Gerda van den Bos (Graskop): 083 324 7254 Shirly Mathebula: 083 331 7695 Editing and layout: Pedrie Roberts
negative. Let us join hands and be the change. Let you become the inspiration to those surrounding you.

26 October

Environmental games day at the Graskop Environmental Centre. By Wessa Eco Schools. For young and old. Entrance free. Contact Yamkela Madikiza at 078 698 0809.

28 October

National matric exams start.

2 November

Hunt for a bargain... Jumble sale at Emmanuel Assemblies of God church in Graskop to raise funds for Emmanuel Family Home. 09:00. Lots of clothes, toys and bric-a-brac for sale. Entrance fee: R5. Glory Hill residents free of charge. Contact Melinda Carr: 01 3 767 111 2.

4 November

www.gpsnews.co.za

gpsnews

@editorKemp

gpsnewsblog. wordpress.com

Specialist speaker on Alzheimers, causes and facts. Sabie Methodist Church. 1 8:30. All welcome. Refreshments will be offered.

Dankie vir bemoediging

Hiermee wil ons almal bedank wat ons gehelp en bygestaan het n die afsterwe van my man, ons pa en oupa, Jaap Erasmus, op Donderdag 17 Oktober. Baie dankie aan: dokters Torrance en Holtzhauzen en al die personeellede van Sabie Hospitaal wat Jaap gehelp en ons so goed bygestaan het; ds. Erik Brits, wat ons gesin en familie bygestaan en ondersteun het; Johan van Kapfuniwa-begrafnisonderneming in Graskop wat ons Donderdagaand so spoedig gehelp het; elkeen van ons familielede en vriende en die gemeenskap van Sabie vir elke boodskap, drukkie en woord van bemoediging. Woorde kan nie s hoeveel dit vir ons beteken nie. Baie dankie! Mary, kinders en kleinkinders

zima Mnisi and one whose name I unfortunately missed. I would like to thank these three constables for the helpful, efficient way they attended to this accident and for the advice they gave. When asked who notified them of the accident, they said they were patrolling the Gods Window area, saw the dust and came to investigate. Three or four hours later, when the tow-truck arrived from Nelspruit to fetch the vehicle, they returned to make sure everything was fine with the truck. Thank you. Gerald Norman Hough, Thaba Toweni Lodge

23 November

Pilgrims Rest Golf Clubs annual Christmas competition.

30 November-1 December
Graskop Crafters Market.

20-21 December

Thank you, Eric and Elmarie

Iran out of ink with my printer, and none to be found in Sabie. Having important correspondence to send that could not wait, I was desperate. My wife, Val, said there is an advert in GPS News of Toner and Ink Dr.Val phone Elmarie, who said she is prepared to help as they are busy painting theshop andthey will be there at 20:00. Iwould like to thank Eric and Elmarie of Toner and Ink Dr. for their help at a very late hour. My correspondence was sent and received on time. We appreciate service of this stature. Boet and Valerie Bekker

Sabie Festival at new Floreat Conference Centre. To book a stall, contact Anne on 082 562 4609 or Lesley on 072 1 28 1 098.

Thank you, Graskop police

At 13:30 on 20 September, while driving from Graskop towards Berlin Falls, my wife, Maria Hough, had a nasty accident. I received a phone call informing me of the accident. On my arrival at the scene, I found my wife in a very traumatised, confused state. There were also three constables from Graskop police station in attendance: Consts. Mgiba, Mba-

GPS News
Die span onderwysers meet kragte met kantoorpersoneellede.

Feite n flaters maak Flinkdink n fees

Natasch du Plessis

orskool Sybrand van Niekerk se negende Flinkdinkaand is op Dinsdag 8 Oktober gehou. Soos gewoonlik was dit n prettige aand. Benewens die junior en senior deelnemers het n span onderwysers teen kantoorpersoneellede te staan gekom, en ook laerskoolmeisies teen -seuns. Die kantoorspan het tot almal se verbasing in skooldrag op die verhoog verskyn. Talle skreeusnaakse flaters is begaan. Hidrofobie (vrees vir water) beteken nou glo om baie koud te kry. Die hulpafrigter van Bafana Bafana wat onlangs in n motorongeluk dood is, is... Julius Malema. En Elsa van Zyl, organiseerder, het uitgevind dat seekoeie op ander planete voorkom. Elsa het die tradisie van Flinkdink in 2004 begin. Sy s destyds het die prys- en borggeld saam net R300 bedra. Vanjaar was die prysgeld n astronomiese R9000. Een van die hoofpryse vir die senior wenner was n naweek vir ses mense by Eagle Creek Resort en Knights Pub & Grill ter waarde van R3 000. Die senior wenner was Mpho Mashego, terwyl Jean-Adriaan Scheepers tweede was. Onder die juniors was Jacqueline Mkabela die wenner en

Julian Knight van Knights Pub & Grill, die hoofborg, saam met Mpho Mashego, senior wenner, en Jacqueline Mkabela, junior wenner. Liam Mashego tweede. Volgens Francois du Toit, skoolhoof, was dit n hoogs suksesvolle en vermaaklike aand, en mev. Van Zyl het haar uitstekend van haar taak gekwyt. Elke kwartaal skryf die skool se leerlinge n algemenekennis-toets op grond waarvan die tien senior en junior deelnemers na die Flinkdink deurbring. Die R10-toegangsgeld, wat net leerlinge betaal het, is aan Ranie Aucamp geskenk vir een van haar fondse om

Elsa van Zyl... di onderwyser het jare lank haar tyd (en slaaplose nagte) opgeoffer om nege wonderlike en onvergeetlike Flinkdinkaande te laat plaasvind. Sy het daardeur n nalatenskap opgebou. kinders in nood te help. Ek wil almal hartlik bedank wat n bydrae gelewer het om die aand spesiaal en suksesvol te maak. Dankie aan al die borge wat die aand moontlik gemaak het, s Elsa.

GPS News

Emmanuel Family Homes

transformation
Gerda van den Bos

he home makeover project at Emmanuel Family Home in Graskop is well under way. A colourful mural and new duvets have transformed the girls room into a haven for the residents. It now looks and feels like a room where little girls can live, not just a place to sleep. They have their toys displayed in a corner and all of them have their favourite soft toys on their beds. In the boys bedroom there have been some dramatic changes as well. The room has been freshly painted, new duvet sets adorn the beds, and the room has been rearranged to ensure the optimal use of space. One of the smaller rooms in the house has been transformed into a comfortable, colourful room with two single beds that can be used for sick children or guests. Housemother Anna Siwele is all smiles again after Joseph Lucas replaced the coal stoves chimney pipe. The previous pipe was in such a state that smoke filled the house every time she cooked dinner. Melinda Carr and the house mothers have also embarked on a decluttering process and each of the children now have their own shelve space for their clothes. In between all the painting, reorganising and cleaning, they are preparing for a jumble sale to be held at Emmanuel Assemblies of God church on 2

Above right: The children love the new play area in the girls room. Right: Colourful duvet sets and more space make the boys lives a bit easier. Above: The learning room already looks bright and cheerful although a lot still has to be done. November to raise money for the home. Melinda said they are now making doors for the cupboards throughout the house and more shelves for the learning room, a smaller room right at the entrance that until a couple of weeks ago was used as a storage room. The room has been painted and they plan to transform it completely into a room where the youngsters can read and do their homework. The children love their new rooms and even the three boys who are at boarding school in other towns said they now cant wait to get home over the school holidays.

Emmanuels Past. Ken Scrimnger said he wanted to thank Melinda and Joseph for their initiative and hard work. They are giving up all their spare time to ensure that Emmanuel Family Home is being transformed into a home where the children can be happy, safe and comfortable... like all children should be.

GPS News

GPS News

Smalls
Rottweiler gesoek Op soek na rottweilerteef om met reun te paar. Skakel Pam Versfeld by 01 3 764 1 431 of 082 81 5 2687.

St. Peters ordains third priest

Kathy Whiteley of Sabie has been ordained as the third priest of St. Peters Anglican Church. The ordination took place at St. Marys Anglican Church in Kabokweni on Sunday 15 September. Kathy says: When I came to Sabie from Germiston five years ago, I had no idea that my life would be so changed. I had thought that I would perhaps offer my services to St. Peters Church as a secretary or a baker of cakes, but never dreamt that I would end up as a priest. It all started at the Emmaus Walk in 2009 when God said to me: You WILL be my servant, because I had turned down three prior invitations to serve Him as a lay minister. When I was ordained as a deacon, with Christopher Luyt, in February of this year, I thought that was the end of my journey. God had other ideas, and now I am the third priest at St. Peters. GPS News would like to congratulate Kathy and wishes her all the best and blessings in the future.

Kathy Whiteley at her ordination.

Ubuntu Community Care Centre coordinator Jonathan Malepe conducting a medical check-up of one of the gogos at the centre.

Gogos lives enriched at centre

Shirly Mathebula
The Ubuntu Community Care Centre continues to look after the welfare of 60 elderly women through the ongoing initiative of its Gogo project in Simile, Sabie. The project was started in 2009 as part of the centres programme of 11 projects. According to Ubuntu Administrator Victoria Bryant, the Gogo project is meant to enrich the lives of vulnerable grannies raising orphaned children. The women registered at the centre are between 57 and 90 years old. On Tuesday during GPS News visit to the centre, the women were receiving their weekly medical check-up. Coordinator Jonathan Malepe said: We run a weekly medical check-up every Tuesday to check on the elderly peoples blood pressure and sugar levels to ensure that they are healthy. One of the elderly women, Selinah Mayibela (71), said: I make sure that I maintain a balanced diet so that every Tuesday my medical check-up will be positive. Malepe said that if the results of the medical check-up are not within standard parameters, they immediately send the women to the hospital. Ellah Nonyane (77) said to her the most special times at the centre are when she gets to interact with other women of her age. I also enjoy the physical exercises because they help us to stay fit, she said The Gogos group runs from Monday to Thursday from 09:30-13:30 and involves no cost for the women. On Mondays, there are visits from occupational therapists, dieticians and physiotherapists. On Tuesdays, the blood pressure and sugar level monitoring is done. On Wednesdays, they hold a church service, and on Thursday they are exposed to gardening, sports and crafts. The elderly women are treated to a comfortable environment where they are provided with a balanced meal, a monthly food parcel, activities that help them to stay healthy and with extra care and love from the caregivers.

GPS News

Flower tour incredible, spectacular

Christine Rossouw

abie resident Marietjie Blackbeard recently went on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Namaqualand to witness that marvel of nature that occurs every year in spring. And she was generous enough to share some of the breathtaking photographs she took on her three-week trip. Although well-travelled, this was Marietjies first visit to Namaqualand during the spectacular flower season, which attracts visitors from all over the globe every year. Marietjie says it was an incredible experience. The thing about flowers is that they bloom in their own time, according to the weather, so when going to see the flowers one shouldnt book in advance, but let the rain and sunshine dictate your movements. She made the trip with her sister and brother-inlaw, for whom an odyssey to Namaqualand is an annual tradition. Their journey started on 9 August in Vryburg in the Northern Cape, and over the three weeks they drove through towns like Augrabies,

Kokerboom, Kamieskroon, Springbok, Pofadder, Groenrivier, Bitterfontein, Nieuwoudtville, Vanrhyndorp and Strandfontein on their flower sightseeing spree. Marietjie says that on their return home, they took exactly the same route, and were amazed at the new paintings the landscapes offered. Flowers that had previously still been closed were now in full bloom, so it was like seeing those views for the first time.

One only has to look through her photos to understand why it is impossible for Marietjie to pin-point a single experience or sight as her favourite. The splendour that envelopes this corner of South Africa, which throughout the rest of the year is a characteristically barren landscape, is breath-taking and reminds one of the miracle and majesty of the creation. Not that us folk of the Panorama could easily forget, living each day in one of the most beautiful natural environments in South Africa.

GPS News

Graskop restores walk of fame

Gerda van den Bos
The Jock of the Bushveld trail used to be a favourite amongst hikers from all over the world, especially those who have read the book by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick and were curious to see where some of the books adventures took place. It is an 8 km circular route, which takes you through Fairyland and up to the edge of the Drakensberg escarpment. Unfortunately, the trail has become overgrown Some of Graskops youngsters and the markers along do their bit for conservancy by the route have practically having their footprints casted disappeared. in cement to be used as markThe Graskop Coners on the Jock of the Bushservancy decided to reveld trail. store this historic hiking trail to its former glory. They will clear the path in the near future and put up new signs to keep hikers on the right track. Hannes Snyman is making the new markers out of concrete blocks that will be put up along the route. Each of the blocks has a number and a footprint. Hannes uses local community members to step into the cement to get the footprints. The models can write their initials next to their footprints before the cement sets. In the end, more than 28 markers will guide the hikers on the trail again, and for those whose footprints were casted in concrete, it will be like being part of Graskops own walk of fame.

Op 28 September is Jan-Hendrik du Plessis van Witrivier en Melanie Steenkamp van Sabie is in Sabie in die huwelik bevestig. Die tema was karnaval, want albei wou van tradisionele troues wegbreek. Melanie s: Ons het die karnavaltema soveel moontlik deur die kos en speletjies probeer uitbeeld. Die kleurskema was vrolik blou, groen, geel, pienk en oranje. Daar was teikenskiet en veerpyltjies en spookasem en springmielies as peuselhappies. Op die onthaal is speletjies gespeel. Familielede het selfs van Johannesburg gekom om ons groot dag saam met ons te geniet. Ek wil almal bedank wat gehelp het, en spesiale hulde en dank aan my ma, Lanie Steenkamp, wat alles georganiseer het.

Adventure with a capital A

Gerda van den Bos

Mix mud tunnels, water slides, night walks and obstacle courses together and you have all the ingredients for an A+ adventure camp. The Gr. 6 pupils from Graskop Primary attended such an adventure/leadership camp in Pilgrims Rest from 2 to 4 October. The camp was hosted by the Pilgrims Rest Environmental Centre, and Louisa Matthee from Graskop Primary said the facilitators did an excellent job. The children had a blast from start to finish. On Thursday, they did an obstacle course, where they soon discovered that working together works much better than to try it on your own. Teambuilding was the name of the game, and they had lots of fun, especially at the mud tunnel. After they all had been thoroughly covered in mud, it was time for a huge water slide. Nobody could resist going for a slide and even the teachers joined in the fun before one and all took to the river to cool off. After a well-deserved lunch, the children were divided into smaller groups and then sent on a treasure hunt in Pilgrims Rest. While hunting for clues and following a map, they discovered the towns treasures from the cemetery to the old printers. That evening, the group went on a

The Gr. 6 pupils and their teachers in Pilgrims Rest. Photo supplied by Louisa Matthee night march just to get rid of any leftover energy and to ensure a peaceful nights sleep... for the teachers as the children just couldnt get to rest the previous night. They set off from downtown Pilgrims Rest to the upper part of town. On the journey back, two of the teachers decided to take a shortcut, or a double-up, according to the children. Some of the children were brave enough to follow even though the shortcut took them past the old cemetery. On Friday, the group was treated to a buffet breakfast at Royal Hotel, where they learned more about etiquette and table manners while enjoying a hearty meal. Before heading back to Graskop, the teachers and children alike embarked on a shopping spree for souvenirs and that something special for mom at home. Louisa said the camp served a dual purpose not only did the children and teachers got to know each other on a whole different level, but the teachers were also able to identify the natural leaders in the group. She said it was heartwarming to see how the children helped each other through the various challenges and how everybody participated and had fun.

Christine Rossouw

Once there was power

GPS News

ith the looming threat by Eskom to cut off our towns power supply, GPS News looks into the history of power in Sabie. Sabie grew around the discovery of gold early in 1871 on the farm Spitzkop. However, with the discovery of gold in Pilgrims Rest in 1873 and Barberton in 1884, most prospectors left the Sabie area. Sabies founder, HT Glynn, continued his search until a reef was discovered in 1897, later known as the Glynns Lydenburg mine. From 1881, established gold mining companies, most notably Transvaal Gold Mining Estates (TGME) and Messrs. Glynns Lydenburg Ltd. took over the mines and converted from alluvial mining to reef mining. Need for electricity Shortage of electrical power in the dry season in Sabie seriously restricted normal mining operations as the mines could not be pumped dry. One of the larger mining companies owned a small hydro-electric station at the foot of the Sabie Falls that supplied power to its own mines and others according to priority allocation laid down by the Department of Mines and Industries. However, the total power available was inadequate to meet the requirements of all the mines, and smaller properties could not afford to provide their own power. Repeated representations were made to the government to establish a power station that would cater for the growing needs of the numerous small mines. The Electricity Supply Commission (Eskom) was established in 1923 and the establishment of a power station at Sabie was one of the first projects undertaken by the commission. Hydro-electric station established Survey work was started to establish a hydro-electric power station in the Sabie valley at a place known as the inaccessible gorge. But when construction work was ready to start, the mines found that their power requirements were likely to be considerably less than first estimated and the scheme had to be reconsidered. In June 1924, survey work started on the farm Bergvliet 692, 14 km downstream from the town on the Sabie River. Early in 1925, tenders were invited for the supply and construction of the plant. While the Sabie River scheme was being revised, a small hydro-electric

The Sabie River gorge hydro-station, whcih supplied power from 1928 until its closure in 1964. plant was installed on the Malieveld Spruit to prevent flooding of the mines during the winter season. This power plant was erected in collaboration with Glynns Lydenburg Ltd. and started production on 1 December 1925. When the Sabie River gorge scheme was completed in 1927, the Malieveld Spruit plant was closed and dismantled. The Sabie River gorge station was the first station to be designed by Eskom engineers, and the first project where Eskom generated its own electricity after its establishment. The Sabie undertaking was the only hydro-electric power station erected by Eskom up until the Hendrik Verwoerd power station began to generate power in 1971. The Sabie River gorge power station operated from 1 April 1928 until it was decommissioned on 5 November 1964. Electrical supply The Sabie undertaking was designed for an output of 5,5 million units per year. Up to 1930, electricity demand was far less than the maximum output. A yearly increase of approximately 40% can be noted from 1928 onwards, and in 1931 the output was exceeded. As the units sold increased, the average price per unit decreased and

The remaining turbine of the three used at the Sabie River gorge hydro-power station. consumers only had to pay 66% of the estimated price. The reason for this was because productions costs of hydro-electric schemes are affected only to a limited extent by the output. Any increase in consumer demand has very little impact on the operating expenditure and results in a substantial reduction in the average cost per unit. Closure of the Sabie undertaking Output peaked in 1947 and thereafter declined steadily, with the exception of 1963 and 1964, due to Graskop being connected to the Sabie River gorge scheme. The closure of the power station in 1964 had little effect on the economy, as well as the electricity supply in the area. During the depression years (1929-1932) the government started forestry schemes in the area to provide work for dislocated farmers and poor whites. By 1948, the profit made from forestry far exceeded that of the mining industry and it became the most important economic activity in the area. South African Forest Investments, which was founded in 1948, was not dependent on the Sabie River gorge scheme for its power. The Eastern Transvaal had huge coal deposits and plenty of water, which led to the development of coal-fired power stations. Komatipoort was completed in 1961, followed by Camden, Hendrina, Arnot and Kriel power stations. In the 1960s, a network of transmission lines was constructed in the Eastern Transvaal from which the Sabie area could get its power.

10

GPS News

Fedsas bied waardeoplossing vir onderwys

Constanze van der Walt
ie Federasie van Suid-Afrikaanse Beheerliggame (Fedsas) het verlede week in Mpumalanga in Middelburg en Nelspruit twee seminare aangebied om oplossings vir die verslegtende onderwyssituasie te bied. Dit was deel van 19 seminare wat oor die land heen aangebied is. Die onderwerp was om skole van n relgedrewe stelsel na n waardegedrewe stelsel te laat oorskakel. Sowat 1 300 mense, hoofsaaklik onderwysers en ouers, het die seminare in Mpumalanga bygewoon. In n multitoepassingaanbieding is onderhoude met kundiges by verskeie skole in die land vertoon wat reeds die waardegedrewe proses begin het. Waardevolle inligting is gedeel om skole te inspireer om wel di belangrike stap te doen. Volgens Jaco Deacon, een van die aanbieders, maak di benadering onderwys en opvoeders doeltreffender. Dit plaas ook groot premie op alle lede van n gemeenskap. Waardes moet oral teenwoordig wees en toegepas word om n gemeenskap te benvloed en te verander. Dit kan gedoen word as onderwysers, ouers en leerlinge dit steun en uit dieselfde mond praat. Onderwysers moet ook weet dat gesonde interaksie baie verg en dat hulle hul met die oog daarop moet voorberei. Dit sal bepaalde eise aan hulle stel. Hulle sal baie meer bewus moet wees van elke leerling se omstandighede, potensiaal en mondering. Leerlinge het ook n verantwoordelikheid om deel te wees van die oplossing, en as die dinamika in n skool positief is, kan die skool as n waardegedrewe skool n groot invloed op sy omgewing h. Skole is egter ook deel van gemeenskappe en gemeenskappe is medeverantwoordelik vir skole se sukses. Samewerking is van groot belang om gesinne, enkelouers en weeskinders te ondersteun. Daar moet saamgewerk word om elke gemeenskap reg te ruk sodat sinvolle opvoeding goeie burgers en meelwende mense kan oplewer wat n verskil in die samelewing maak. Skole en gemeenskappe wat hiermee wil begin, moet besef dat dit n proses is en dat daar nie n kitsoplossing is nie. Die beloning is egter groot en sal tot voodeel van die skool wees. Skole en gemeenskappe wat belang stel om skole van relgedrewe skole in waardegedrewe skole te verander, is welkom om Fedsas by 078451 8019 te bel.

Van links: Stephen van Baalen, hoof van Laerskool Laeveld, Constanze van der Walt, bestuurder van Fedsas Mpumalanga, Manie Botha, aanbieder en jeugpredikant by NG lerk Morelatapark, Jaco Deacon, aanbieder en adjunk- uitvoerende hoof van Fedsas, en Willem Steinberg, voorsitter van die raad van Fedsas Mpumalanga. Manie Botha, nog n aanbieder en jeugpredikant by NG kerk Moreletapark, het die gehoor daarop gewys dat onderwysers weer hul werk as n roeping moet beskou. Elke dag is n nuwe geleentheid om kinders te benvloed en op die lewe n skool voor te berei, en ook om hulle as mense te laat ontwikkel wat vir hul naaste en die omgewing omgee en n bydrae tot hul gemeenskap lewer. Die deurslaggewende boodskap is di van hoop. As mense en gemeenskappe hoop het, kan hulle baie dinge vermag.

GPS News

11

Career dress-up day has huge impact

Shirly Mathebula

or the first time, Lindani Primary School in Simile, Sabie, hosted a career dress-up day where pupils were given the opportunity on Friday 11 October to wear the dress of the career they one day want to pursue. Teacher Surprise Mashego said: We invited officials from government departments to come to the school. It is important for the learners to get a message from professional people in different professions. It will play a huge role in their lives. The aim of the career dress-up concept is to create awareness amongst the learners about their dream careers. Petro Coetzee, nurse educator from Sabie Hospital, was accompanied by 11 nursing students, who entertained the learners by performing a drama that introduced different careers in the health department. During the event, Gr. 7 pupils presented their career choices. One of them, Romao Viriado, said that he wanted to be a mining engineer because he enjoys working with his hands. Trinity Nonyane, dressed in a black

Above: Lindani Primary pupils dressed in their career outfits, ready to chase their goals. Right: Sabie Hospital student nurses perform a play that entertains and educate the pupils. lawyer gown, said: I have seen people go to prison without a fair trial; my dream is to help ensure that those who are charged with committing a crime have the right to a fair trial, no matter what. Some of the other Gr. 7s who presented careers were: electrical engineering by Zwelithini Khoza, lawyer by Phomelelo Kgoete, psychologist by Engrith Nonyane, dentist by Michelle Sedibe, medical doctor by Hilena Sibuyane, social worker by Jessica Moropane, police or traffic officer by Pretty Mabaso and Phosho Mabaso, pilot by Brian Lincoln, fashion designer by Mooi Mamogale and music artist by Oriedance Letsoalo. The guest speakers provided the learners with support, knowledge and education about their chosen careers. Mashego said: As educators we try to motivate the pupils in terms of career choices, but they often do not take us seriously enough. When a professional from outside comes to motivate them, it has a huge impact. The pupils were also encouraged to work harder in their studies. Lindani Primary is grateful for the presence of the guests and also some of the schools former pupils who attended the event.

Enjoying colourful fun on a run

Richard Corser
Saturday 12 October dawned warm and clear. On this day, Run Walk for Life Nelspruit arranged an exciting charity run to collect money for Grip. The Greater Nelspruit Rape Intervention Project (Grip) is an HIV/Aids healthcare organisation that assists raped women and children. The Colour Fun Run started and finished after 5 km at Riverside Mall. There was a colour station every kilometre first yellow, then blue, followed by green, orange and finally red representing the sponsors of the day. As each participant entered the station, they were sprayed with water and then covered with colored powder. From the start it was a dash for the front-runners, while for some this was a stroll in the sun to enjoy the day out and have some fun at the same time. Some of the participants reveled in getting dirty and offered themselves to be sprayed and dusted. Some of the local residents that

Sabie residents Marina Good, Joy Comley and Debbie Mller enjoying the day. participated are FM and Mariska Labuschagne and family, as well as Debbie Mller, Joy Comley and Marina Good, who were covered in the different colours after passing through all the stations.

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GPS News

A journey of faith with spina bifida

Christine Rossouw
ating, They were skeptical if he would survive at first, and we were told he will probably never sit or crawl and definitely never walk or have bowl or bladder control, says Kylah. But Kylah and her husband also never gave up hope, and have continued to stand on Gods promises for their son. Kylah says that in those first three months, she received the same scripture from five different sources: John 9:1-3. This is the rock that she stands on. Our days are filled with therapy, check-ups and doctors appointments, yet Meyer remains so cheerful and a joy to all who meet him. Meyer has worked so hard for everything and we are truly grateful for each milestone he reaches, and many thanks to all the amazing therapists for their hard work, love and support, says Kylah. By eight months Meyer was sitting; at 13 months he started army crawling; and at 16 months he got up onto all fours. Earlier this year, he got his first pair of ankle-foot orthosis, as well as a walker. His progress is slow with his walker and he does not yet walk by himself, but it will come! Kylah says. In the meantime his mode of mobility is crawling and zipping around in his mini-wheelchair. Anika and Meyer both attend Stepmed Centre in Nelspruit for treatment. The journey of spina bifida includes feelings of worry, fear, uncertainty and anger, but are tempered with love, faith, determination and hope. Having a child with spina bifida is not easy, but loving one is! says Kylah. Hope for the future While both women have anchored their hope firmly on God for the healing of their children, they have both stored the stem cells of Meyer and Anikas siblings in the hope that medical advances made in this field will assist their childrens quality of life. Annel fell pregnant a second time with a girl when Anika was a few months old. Tragically, Esti was diagnosed with a rare and fatal heart condition while in the womb and doctors suggested Annel abort the baby. But as a believer, knowing that life and death are in Gods hands, Annel refused, even though she was told her daughter would not survive. The girl was born last year and passed away a few hours later, but not before her precious stem cells, which is hoped will be a perfect match for Anika, were collected. There is the hope of the stem cells that her baby sister, Esti, left behind when she passed away. It might help with bladder control and movement and sensation in her legs and feet some day, says Annel. Meyer got a baby sister in June last year. Little Emma, who is a bundle of joy, dotes on her big brother. Her stem cells were also stored at birth in the hope that they might improve Meyers quality of life. We are hoping to raise enough funds to take Meyer to China or the United States for stem cell treatment in the near future, says Kylah. Meeting Meyer and Anika, with their big smiles and sparkling eyes, is an inspiration and confirms what both their mothers believe to be true: God doesnt make mistakes.

ctober marks international spina bifida awareness month. GPS News pays tribute to two women and their blessings. It was both womens first pregnancy. Awash in the glow of the miracle happening within their bodies, thoughts mirrored with the familiar hopes and anxieties first-time mothers know. Kylah Beukes of White River and Annel Strydom of Nelspruit were strangers then, but today they have a common struggle and share the same hopes and fears for their children. On 10 November 2010, Annel gave birth to a girl, Anika, in Nelspruit Mediclinic. Four months later, Kylahs son, Meyer, made his arrival at the same hospital. Both babies were the one out of every 500 to 800 babies to be born with spina bifida in South Africa. Both babies conditions had been undiagnosed during their mothers pregnancy. Spina bifida is a neural tube defect that occurs when the neural tube does not close properly along its length so part of the spinal cord protrudes through the spinal column, often resulting in physical disability. It occurs within the first month of pregnancy, before most women even know that they are going to have a baby, and according to the Spina Bifida Association, no one knows for sure what causes thisbirth defect. It can result in lack of bladder or bowel control, paralysis of the legs and abnormal spinal curvature.

Anika and Meyer today in their walkers. John 9:1-3: As

Anikas story The morning after Anika was born, she was taken to Unitas Hospital in Pretoria where she was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. At only two days old, she underwent her first operation to have the hole in her back closed from where the spinal cord protruded. Doctors said that the minimal movement in her legs was only due to reflexes and that she would never have control over her legs. They also said there is a chance that she will not have bowel and bladder control and will never be able to sit, roll over, crawl or walk, and that a possibility of brain damage existed, says Annel. But Annel and her husband never lost sight of their God and King, Jesus Christ, and the beautiful plans He has for their precious little girl. Annel says she embarked on Babygym, physiotherapy and occupational therapy with Anika immediately after she was released from Unitas as a one-week old baby. After a month of therapy, it became evident that she definitely gained partial control over her legs, says Annel. Now nearly three years old, Anika has already undergone 15 operations, many of which were necessary to straighten her clubfeet. Her coccyx has also had to be removed, a shunt implanted into her brain, and shes been diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and a tethered spinal cord. Her life is being bombarded with therapy and operations, but Anika smiles all the way to hospital and back. She is really progressing well and man-

he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind? Neither this man nor his parents sinned, said Jesus, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.
ages to sit on her own and roll over, crawl and pull herself up into a standing position. She manages to get in and out of her little wheelchair all by herself and she can stand in her walking frame, says Annel. The little girl will still face many more operations and challenges in the future, but in the meantime Annel says Anika is just another little girl, full of joy and laughter, who would like to have a fair chance in life, and her parents are determined to give her every fighting chance we can. Meyers story Kylah went into labour on 9 March 2012. When Meyer was born at 21:00, it was clear that the newborn would need immediate surgery, but Mediclinics neurosurgeon was on leave, forcing Kylah and father Antonie to explore other options fast. By Gods grace our little Bulletjie was taken in an ambulance to Pretoria, said Kylah. Meyer arrived at Steve Biko Academic Hospital when he was 24 hours old, and would spend the next three months there, fighting for his life. The baby boy, who weighed 2,7 kg at birth, underwent five massive operations in this time the longest of which lasted seven hours. The doctors prognosis for Meyer was also devast-

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13

Sybrand eer sy toppresteerders

Michle du Plessis
Rita de Kock, vanjaar se onderhoofmeisie, het n akademiese gemiddelde van 80,6% gehandhaaf en het erekleure vir akademie, hokkie en leierskap, asook halferekleure vir atletiek ontvang. Natasch het erekleure vir akademie, kultuur en skaak en halferekleure vir krieket gekry. Ook het sy die trofee as die senior redenaarswenner ontvang. Dorris is n gr. 12-leerling wat ook vanjaar die hoofmeisie was. Sy het n gemiddelde van 83,4% behaal, beklee die topposisie in matriek vir akademie en kry erekleure vir netbal en atletiek. Ook het sy die prestigetoekenning, die Studius Praestans, van die hoof ontvang. n Kontantprys, wat deur die Universiteit van Pretoria geskenk is, gaan daarmee gepaard. Die nuwe leerlingraad is aangekondig en die hoofleiers is Thobile Tsela (sowel skool- as koshuishoofmeisie), Hilary Chawane (skoolhoofseun) en Thabang Tshwane (koshuishoofseun). Susan Brits, wat al van 1990 aan die skool verbonde is, het die merieteaand gerel. Helena Kruger en Lesley Dhne het haar bygestaan. Bo: Rita de Kock, Christopher Maartens en Natasch du Plessis.

ns kinders is kosbaar hulle is die toekoms waar woorde wat op Horskool Sybrand van Niekerk se merieteaand gespreek is. Die aand is op n ho noot begin toe die nuwe skoolkoor opgetree het, en veral Bok van Blerk se liedjie Ons vir jou Suid-Afrika was hoendervleismooi. Francois du Toit, skoolhoof, het dit juis beskryf: Hulle het vanaand vir ons n stukkie hemel gebring. Talle leerlinge het uitgeblink en sertifikate, halferekleure, erekleure en trofees ontvang. Tog was daar soos altyd di wat besonder skouspelagtig gevaar en herhaaldelik verhoog toe geroep is, soos Dorris Tshwane, Rita de Kock, Christopher Maartens, Natasch du Plessis en Julia Visser. Di leerlinge het nie net akademies gepresteer nie, maar ook op die sportveld. Christopher het die trofees vir die beste senior sportseun en die beste senior krieketkolwer en erekleure vir akademie, atletiek, krieket, skaak en rugby gekry. Ook is hy tot onderhoofseun verkies.

Links: Francois du Toit oorhandig die Studius Praestanstrofee aan Dorris Tshwane.

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GPS News

When darkness looms

Sharon Mandy

t is amazing how people react in so-called crisis situations. Some people do nothing at all; some people go all out to do all they can; and then there are a couple who sort of do half and half. I definitely fall into the last category, which is, I suppose, very average. Take the latest crisis, for instance, where we are to have no more electricity until heaven knows when after tomorrow. All the doomsayers (or possibly pragmatists) are warning us that after tomorrow we will be cast into a pit of gloom (as, I assume, Eskom only likes giving other countries electricity for free). I have been warned by several people that I am to collect water, as when there is no electricity there is no water because the pumps cant work. Thus I went half way, and as there are two baths in my house I filled one. I also bought two large bottles of water and a lighter, and then I thought that would be about it, as everyone has to stop somewhere. I was sort of half afraid that the whole town would be drained anyhow electricity crisis or no electricity crisis as everyone has the same idea and are rushing home to fill every available container with water, and ponds and pools and tanks if they have them. What I do know, however, is that we will get through this. Crises come and go, and we have had plagues and wars and huge droughts, and mankind being what it is, forgets about all these

No fine if you return library books now

The libraries in Sabie and Simile are pleading with library members with overdue books (some even from last year) to return the books immediately. A public library is there for the public to enjoy and utilise, but there are a vast number of books outstanding. As a gesture of goodwill from now until the end of November 2013 no fine will be charged on late and outstanding books. However, from 1 December, a fine of R4 per book per week will be charged, while the fee for damaged books will be R87. Sabie librarian E. Nonyane said: In order to raise the standard of our service delivery we would appreciate it if the patrons regularly use our suggestion box. Please also be advised of new tariffs applicable to our services.

things when they are over, and simply goes on with the business of living until the next thing strikes. In fact, I believe Afriforum may have come up with a solution of sorts for now and saved the day for a while, so Sabie will calm down until the next excitement descends upon us, and I am truly thankful for that!

The winners of the Sabie Hardware Easter OGradys paint competition were announced on 16 October. Danie and Riette van Niekerk from Panorama Ruskamp in Graskop won a 43 Samsung plasma TV after the purchase of OGradys paint at Sabie Hardware. OGradys sales representative Faris Saad and sales manager Carlos Luis here congratulate the winners.

Kiara Blatherwick recently won a Stihl Wet & Dry Vacuum Cleaner, sponsored by Conway Sabie and valued at R5700, in Guardian Angels White Rivers annual branch raffle. With her is Conways Sethton Blake.

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15

To spank or not to spank...

Gerda van den Bos

he Department of Social Development is considering a proposal by the Childrens Rights Project, a NGO based at the University of the Western Cape, to amend the Children Act to ban corporal punishment in South Africa. If they succeed, parents will be charged with assault should they use any form of physical punishment against their children. All over South Africa people are up in arms over the proposal, with many Christians falling back on the Bible to say that they have to give their children a good spanking to teach them what is right. Childrens rights activists on the other hand say it is wrong for anybody to raise a hand towards anybody else, especially a child, and that there are other ways to discipline a child. Sweden was the first country to put a total ban on all forms of physical punishment in 1979. Since then, 31 countries had followed suit. Trying to figure out what the outcome was is difficult, for there are as many sites on the internet giving positive results as there are sites expounding the negative impact thereof. I asked my Facebook friends what they think of the proposal and it seems like they all agree to disagree with the proposal. Marina Dempsey said: Here comes another generation where the parents will only hit their kids out of self-defense. Personally I think that to spank or not to spank is actually not the biggest issue here. The fact that the government wants to increase its Big Brother powers even further by telling people how they should raise their children is of a bigger concern. With every new bill they are infringing more and more on our freedom as a democracy, and that is something that we should not tolerate.

What our readers say

Shirly Mathebula and Gerda van den Bos
Londiwe Khoza (26): Im a mother and I do spank my child to teach them discipline. Children should be spanked because we were also raised in that manner when growing up and it worked out well. Elsabe Visser (50): Dit is nonsens; jy moet jou kind tugtig om hom te dissiplineer en maniere te leer, anders ruk hulle hand uit. Kinders slaan dan aan hul ouers, maar nou mag ouers nie aan kinders raak nie. Rudolph Mlondolozi (37): I agree a child should not be spanked; there are many ways of teaching a child discipline. I dont spank my child at home and he is well-behaved. I only use other forms of punishment, like cutting his allowance. Sherani Blignaut (20): Ek dink kinders moet by die huise pakslae kry. Kinders wat nie by hul huis geslaan word nie, het geen respek vir ander nie en ruk hand uit wanneer hulle ouer word. Mishandel is verkeerd, maar n goeie pakslae wanneer kinders stout is, is 100% reg. Nelisiwe Manba (25): There is a difference between hitting a child brutally and spanking a child. A child should be spanked because it teaches them discipline. Even the Bible quotes that when you discipline a child, you show the child the right way. Sophia Yeboah (26): As parents we have the right to spank a child when they turn away from doing right, to teach them discipline. It is written in the Bible in Proverbs 23:13-14: Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die. Punish him with the rod and save his soul from death. Rudi Cronje (24): As ek nie pakslae gekry het nie, was ek seker al in die tronk gewees. Kinders moet pakslae kry, want anders gaan hulle geen maniere of respek h nie. Pakslae is gelyk aan maniere. Jan Smith (38): Dit is n baie swak instelling kinders sal doen wat hulle wil. Jy as ouer gaan nie meer seggenskap h nie. Kinders gaan geen respek teenoor ouers toon nie. Corn Tape (23): Ek het n dogtertjie; sy is vier jaar. My ondervinding is dat as my kind nie vir my wil luister nie, sal ek nee s vir wat sy wil h totdat sy gedoen het wat ek gevra het. Ek en my man gee lyfstraf, veral as ons kind n bietjie t stout is. Dit bring hulle terug na die vlak waar n kind moet wees. Dissipline is baie belangrik! Ek reken n kind moet nou en dan pak kry. Lucy Ndlovu: This is not good. Our children dont want to hear when you tell them something. They will not respect us.

Eleck Mashego (43): A child should be taught discipline the same way that we were also taught. Nowadays children dont get spanked and they end up losing respect for their elders. If we stopped disciplining our children in the manner that we are used to then we will be at fault when they lose their way because as parents we have the task to show them right from wrong and teach them discipline. Davida Ehlert: Vandag se kinders het nie meer ruggraat nie, want daar is nie dissipline nie. Ek dink hulle maak n groot fout. Hulle maak kinders vir die tronk groot.

New social worker for Graskop

Gerda van den Bos
between 12 and 16 years are equipped and empowered with life skills. They especially focus on how to deal with peer pressure and how children should use their rights responsibly. According to Mabilu, their after-school project is doing well. There they help children in Glory Hill with their homework and reading. Currently, Child Welfares feeding scheme is struggling due to a lack of funds. They had to cut down from three times a week to only once a week, but they hope to get the programme fully functional again in the near future. Mabilu said they have the equipment to empower the community through, for example, sewing classes, but they lack the space. They recently moved offices, but said they wished that Graskop had a community centre where they could run their projects. Child Welfares new offices are situated in shop

Atonia Mabilu was recently appointed as the new permanent social worker in Graskop for Child Welfare South Africas White River, Sabie and Graskop branch. This energetic young lady qualified as a social worker in 2011 from the University of Venda. She will be working in cooperation with Vivian Marobela, Graskops social auxiliary worker, and 15 volunteers on various programmes. One of these programmes is called Asibavikele, which means lets protect them. In this programme, the volunteers visit homes to identify vulnerable children and children-headed households to see where they can offer support. Child Welfare also reaches out to children through its boy/girl child programme, where children

Graskops new social worker, Atonia Mabilu, with Vivian Marobela, social auxiliary worker. number 1, 30 Church Street. As they dont have a landline installed yet, you can contact the social worker, Mabilu, on 079511 2654.

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GPS News

Meer as 30 maak MOTH-gholf n sukses

Michle du Plessis

ie koue renweer en mistigheid waarmee die dag almal begroet het, kon nie die gholfspelers tydens die MOTH-gholfdag Saterdag by Sabie Country Club van die veld hou nie. Meer as 30 spelers het opgedaag om die nat gholfbaan aan te durf en om die MOTHgeldinsameling te ondersteun. Arthur Knoesen, wat al 16 jaar lank n lid van Jock Shellhole, die plaaslike MOTH-groep, is en die titel adjudant beklee, was die hooforganiseerder van die suksesvolle geleentheid. Die doel met die geldinsameling was deels om die MOTH-gebou in Michaelstraat in stand te hou en deels vir hul gekose liefdadigsheidprojek, Sabie Aftreeoord. Agt van die 11 plaaslike MOTH-lede is aktief betrokke by die klub, wat sedert 1947 bestaan. Een van die MOTH-ideale is hulpverlening. Hulle ondersteun hulpbehoewendes en dra finansieel tot liefdadigheidsorganisasies by. Alle persone wat aktiewe diens in n weermag- of oorlogsituasie, waaronder die Grensoorlog, verrig het, is welkom om aan te sluit. Jannie Pieterse en Lida-Louise Wiid het ook hard gewerk om die gholfdag suksesvol en glad te laat verloop. Merry Pebbles, Floreat Riverside Lodge, Attilios Steak Ranch, Hazyview Cash & Carry, Wild Fig Tree Restaurant, Supa Quick Sabie, Plato Hydraulics, Sabie Country Club en Nelspruit MOTHs het die geleentheid geborg. Die wenners was: eerste Chris van Rensburg, Etienne Quin, GT Smith en Eddie Swanepoel (89); tweede Raymond van der Merwe, Ed Fraser, Joe Roberts en Ron Reeves-Moore (88);

Arthur Knoesen, organiseerder

Joe Roberts, MOTH-lid derde Johan Burger, Weber de Klerk, Natie Kruger en Fiaz Bhikhoo(87). Die vrouewenners was Elsa Claunch en Leanne Abercrombie. Die MOTHs bedank Dick, Elsa, Leanne, Jannie en die personeellede van Sabie Country Club vir hul hulp en voorbereidings, Lincka Joubert,

Johan Burger jr. Janika Pieterseen Ryan Kuhn vir hul hulp by die halfwegstasie, en Arthur Knoesen en Johan Aucamp van Jock Shellhole vir die relings.

Church leaders unite

Thursday 10 October turned out to be a historic day for various churches from Graskop, Pilgrims Rest, Leroro, Matibidi and Moremela. It marked the first meeting of the Escarpment Church Leaders Fraternity (ECLF). The groups aim is to ensure better cooperation and support between Christian churches with specific focus on evangelism. Past. Peter Mahlatjie was elected as the first chairperson of the ECLF, which currently have about 12 members. Their next meeting will be held on 14 November. Here are some of those who attended the first meeting. Gerda van den Bos Photo: Danie van Niekerk

House of Frames triumph

The winners of the second Bowls Business Challenge, held at Sabie Bowling Club on Saturday 5 October, were House of Frames. The victorious team pictured here were Andr Mller, Debbie Mller, Berrie Linde and Hermine Linde. The other teams that participated York Timbers and Woodlands School are planning a revenge match in November.